Movement in the Miyawaki: Spotting the Common Picture Wing

This blog is written by wildlife photographer Sriram Reddy. Reach him at @sriram.wildlife.photographer on Instagram.

As a wildlife photographer, I often find beauty in nature - exciting patterns formed by scales, contrasting colour combinations, shades and grains, and beautiful tesselations. I have seen scales big and small, and the beauty in everyday life never ceases to amaze me.

The past few years have seen my Sunday mornings at Woods Shamshabad. I lead guided property tours with my camera gear and binoculars. My familiar finds fascinate my audience. With delighted “oohs” and “aahs”, parents and children exclaim in excitement when they spot any movement in the massive Miyawaki forest.

It’s no news that the forest is home to countless insect species, most of which I have yet to discover. Each species resides in its habitat and can be seen when foraging for food, searching for mates or building their homes.

But one of them is different - right from the dense foliage, the dark roots, and open lawns by the Mango Grove to the tops of trees, plants and wildflowers - one animated species can be seen fluttering about.

The Common Picture Wing

The Common Picture Wing is a medium-sized dragonfly known for its striking translucent wings in black and yellow. Its body is tinted a pale yellow, and it has interesting variegated black spots across its wings that flash vibrantly as it flutters by - often mistaken for a butterfly!

It is scientifically known as the Rhyothemis variegata, native to South Asia, and widely seen across India. I have seen this dragonfly across Woods Shamshabad, close to the paddy field and hovering over ponds. Its behaviour is interesting; it is a weak flier and hovers about a foot or two above the ground, albeit in open fields where it may meander. It flits from flower to flower, causing incidental pollination - aiding the ecological restoration of the land and the Miyawaki forest.

Aerial Acrobat

As I observe, the dragonfly dances through the air with incredible agility before settling on a twig. Its flight is a display of precision and grace, reminiscent of a skilled aerial acrobat.

Its wings move effortlessly, allowing it to change direction instantly. The ability to hover, dart, and make sudden turns with apparent ease fascinates me. In fact, I needed to photograph it a couple of times to understand the mesmerising patterns on its constantly moving wings.

As I continue to watch, I notice the intermittent flashes of colour as the dragonfly catches the sunlight. The wings are enchanting, only noticeable when you indeed pause and see. The presence of the Common Picture Wing seems so natural that it raises a question of what makes it come to the Miyawaki: why does it call our property its home?

Ecological Catalyst to the Miyawaki Forest

Interestingly, dragonflies and damselflies are the best judge of biodiversity health as they are susceptible to environmental changes. They are found where there is a thriving colony of diverse plants and insects.

They also feed on mosquitos and other small insects, making them ideal companions for human populations. Moreover, they maintain food cycle dynamics! Larger birds feed on dragonflies, contributing to the self-sustaining ecosystem.

I am always amazed by the small wonders that unfold in the hidden corners of the outdoors. Despite the ongoing construction, the Common Picture Wing species have found their way into our housing development. It was as if nature was sending a subtle message that it's up to us, as witnesses and storytellers, to capture these moments and remind the world that nature's beauty knows no bounds – not even those set by human hands.